Newton-John received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her work on the song "Have You Never Been Mellow", but lost to "At Seventeen" by Janis Ian.

"[5] Billboard praised the album, noting that "last year's new superstar shows no signs of slowing down this mix of country, soft rock and easy listening cuts designed to appeal to the fans she has garnered in all three areas.

Backed by fine production and arrangements throughout, the set is basically an extension and progression of her last effort...Few flaws here and an almost certain bet to strap her firmly in the superstar category for good."

"[7] AllMusic called the title track "a masterpiece of songwriting by her producer, John Farrar, an exquisitely pleasant melody with a sunny and peaceful theme."

In their review of the entire album, critic Joe Viglione noted that "from beginning to end Have You Never Been Mellow is Olivia Newton-John showing why she could hold her own on the charts with as powerful a star as Elton John.